Grand Central spreads the word on on rail safety

Grand Central Rail has partnered with children’s author Chris Madeley to launch ‘Cones on the Rails’, a new book designed to educate children about on-board and on-track rail safety.

The book, which is the third in a series of books about traffic cones, was unveiled at the National Railway Museum in an event attended by more than 200 guests, including school children and supported by the rail safety experts RSSB.

The launch of ‘Cones on the Rails’ is a part of Grand Central’s wider commitment to promoting rail safety amongst members of the public from a young age. The book was written based on knowledge and insights by rail safety advisors at Grand Central, who contributed extensively to the project, ensuring that children learned about safety on and around the tracks from a resource that is fun and easy to follow.

Written in an informative, yet light-hearted way, the book aims to help children understand the concept of rail safety by bringing traffic cones to life as characters with ethical values. Each story carries a moral; in the process teaching children about safety in relation to platforms, railway tracks and train carriages.

Sean English, Chief Operating Officer at Grand Central, said, “Rail safety is a basic concept that can be overlooked. Therefore, we feel that the best way to ingrain it in people’s minds is to let them have an early start on rail safety.

“Through her books, Chris Madeley is making a positive difference to the community and providing children with the opportunity to learn about rail safety – a subject very close to our hearts at Grand Central. We are proud to support Chris with her new initiative and look forward to raising awareness about rail safety across the country.”

John Abbott, External Engagement Director at RSSB said: “Britain’s railway is one of the safest in Europe. However, it can also be a dangerous place, particularly for people who don’t follow some very basic rules.

“Children in particular, are fascinated by the railway and regrettably some are tempted to treat it as a playground, occasionally with tragic consequences. That’s why initiatives like this are so important and I congratulate Chris for her book which is both highly readable and educational.”

Chris Madeley, author of ‘Cones on the Rails’, said, “It has been a delight and privilege to work with Grand Central Rail and most reassuring to know first-hand how extremely diligent they are about rail safety. In addition to keeping safe, the book teaches children to respect others and their differences, be friendly, have good manners, to play and have adventures in safe environments.

“I appreciate Grand Central’s support and their sense of corporate social responsibility, as they have helped me highlight how fun railways are, but can be dangerous if abused.”